Gold Coast (Part 1)
After visiting Lone Pine in Brisbane the day before, I immediately returned to the hotel to retrieve my luggage and prepared to head to the Gold Coast.
First, I took the subway from Central Station to Nerang Station, then transferred to a bus to reach Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast. Since it was already quite late and I had to wake up early the next morning for the hot air balloon trip, I had a quick dinner and went back to the hotel.
Early the next morning, a shuttle picked up group members from each hotel and took us to the hot air balloon launch site. The guide explained that the flight route is determined daily based on weather conditions, wind direction, and other factors.
It’s quite chilly in the early morning, so remember to bring a jacket!
The hot air balloon is being inflated!
Inflation complete—ready for takeoff!
Before boarding the hot air balloon, aside from your camera, you need to hand over your backpack or handbag to the balloon company to be delivered to the landing site. So make sure to bring all the cameras and lenses you need for the ride!(I only remembered to bring my ultra-wide lens and forgot my 18-140mm... sigh...)
I thought it would be cold during the balloon ride, so I wore down and thick jackets, but it actually got quite hot because the balloon is heated for inflation.
Breathtaking views while ascending!
Climbing higher and even reaching the clouds!
A whole new perspective above the clouds
The originally scheduled 30-minute flight ended up lasting nearly 45 minutes.
The moment of landing
After landing, everyone helped pack up the hot air balloon!
Around 20 people worked together to pack the balloon!
Deflation complete!
Leaving the hot air balloon landing site
Then the guide took us to a winery for a buffet breakfast, where everyone was offered a welcome glass of wine. Although the food selection was limited and the taste was average, the winery had fresh air and a large grassy field. Eating breakfast in such an environment was very relaxing!
Before leaving, a dog played fetch with us—it was super cute!
After breakfast, the guide dropped each group member off at their respective hotels, and I arrived back at mine around 11 a.m.
I had been looking forward to this hot air balloon experience for a long time!
(Last year, when I attended the hot air balloon festival in Saga, I couldn’t see a single balloon due to the weather?)
But this time, it did not disappoint—I had an incredibly memorable experience!
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